Is Universal Orlando Closing for Hurricane Milton?

We are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and its potential to affect operations across the theme parks in Central Florida.

Disney World has already announced that three hotels will close ahead of the storm. These hotels include The Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, which will close at 11 AM on Wednesday, October 9th. Will Universal Orlando start to take similar measures?

As of the morning of October 8th, Hurricane Milton is a Category 4 hurricane. It is expected to make landfall in Florida tomorrow, October 9th. Orange County, where Universal Orlando resides, is currently under a hurricane warning.

On the afternoon of October 8th, Universal confirmed several closures due to the storm. Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk will close at 2PM on October 9th and be closed all day on October 10th. Universal’s Volcano Bay water park will be closed on October 9th and 10th. Additionally, Halloween Horror Nights on October 9th and 10th has been canceled.

Update from Universal Orlando Resort.

For more information and FAQs, visit https://t.co/4NqV4mCDt4 pic.twitter.com/ReZ565xKi5

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) October 8, 2024

Universal plans to fully reopen on Friday, October 11th pending how much the storm impacts the parks. In the meantime, if you had a park ticket for October 9th or 10th, that ticket will be valid to use any day through December 18th, 2024. No need to call Guest Services as this change is automatic.

Those with Halloween Horror Nights tickets for October 9th and 10th can use their ticket at any of the remaining events. This will automatically update so no need to visit Guest Services and events run on Wednesdays through Sundays until November 3rd, 2024.

Universal lists a full FAQ on its website, so we highly recommend checking that out if you have questions.

For cancelation concerns, Universal says, “In the event that a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for the Orlando area or in your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you can contact our team in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel room only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, without any cancellation or change fees imposed.” If you are planning to still fly out, make sure to check on the status of your flight as the Orlando International Airport (MCO) will be ceasing operations tomorrow, October 9th.

Just less than two weeks ago, both Disney World and Universal Orlando closed their water parks ahead of Hurricane Helene. On top of the water parks closing, Disney World canceled Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and Universal Orlando canceled Halloween Horror Nights on Thursday, September 26th. There is a chance that these after-hours events could be canceled once again ahead of Hurricane Milton.

We will continue to monitor Hurricane Milton and check back with Universal Orlando to see if any closure announcements have changed. As always, stay tuned to AllEars for the latest updates on the storm.

Hurricane Milton Is Headed Towards Disney World — Should You Cancel Your Vacation?

Do you have plans to visit Universal Orlando ahead of Hurricane Milton? Let us know in the comments.